8 Series vs Z
If you’re shopping for a car in the sports car class, the 8 Series and the Z are likely both on your shortlist. The 8 Series wins more of the areas that we compared (3 of 4), and its most convincing lead is in fuel economy & range.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Z wins
- Fuel Economy & Range 8 Series wins
- Space & Practicality 8 Series wins
- Off-road & Towing 8 Series wins
- Engine & Performance3.7
- Fuel Economy & Range4.1
- Engine & Performance4.4
- Fuel Economy & Range1.4
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The 8 Series has room for 4 seats
Big gap, real consequences. The 8 Series’s 4 seats versus the Z’s 2 seats changes how the two compare in daily use. Extra seats mean you can take more people along without taking a second car.
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The 8 Series has better fuel economy
The Z is clearly behind on fuel economy (combined) (20 mpg against 24 mpg), and that’s one of its biggest weak spots in this matchup. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
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The Z has 65 hp more power
On this line of the spec sheet, the Z is in a different league: 400 hp, next to 335 hp for the 8 Series. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
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The 8 Series has better highway fuel economy
For fuel economy (highway), the 8 Series leads by a wide margin: 29 mpg versus 24 mpg. The 8 Series uses less fuel on the highway, a real saving on road trips and long commutes.
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The 8 Series has better city fuel economy
This is a headline difference. With 21 mpg to the Z’s 18 mpg, the 8 Series has a lead that’s easy to see on paper and in practice. In town, driving style has a big effect, but the 8 Series starts from a better baseline.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | 8 Series | Z |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 172.4 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 72.6 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 51.8 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 100.4 in |
| Curb weight (from) | N/A (not specified) | 3,486 lb Heaviest in class |
Engine & Performance
Z leads
In this area the Z has a lead the 8 Series can’t close. The Z brings 65 hp more power. The Z’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed. The 8 Series has the edge with 18 lb-ft more torque. If engine & performance is your priority, the Z is the car to pick.
Total system output
8 Series: 335 hp Z: 400 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Torque
8 Series: 368 lb-ft Z: 350 lb-ft More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Fuel Economy & Range
8 Series leads
The fuel economy & range numbers point firmly in one direction: toward the 8 Series. Here the 8 Series offers better fuel economy. The 8 Series uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot. For anyone who cares most about fuel economy & range, the 8 Series is the safer choice.
Fuel economy (combined)
8 Series: 24 mpg Z: 20 mpg Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
Fuel economy (highway)
8 Series: 29 mpg Z: 24 mpg Speed, wind and load affect highway use a lot, but the official rating is a fair comparison point.
Space & Practicality
8 Series leads
In the space & practicality category, the 8 Series isn’t just ahead; it’s clearly ahead. The 8 Series gives you room for 4 seats. Third-row seats are often best for kids, so check legroom figures if adults will sit there. On space & practicality alone, the 8 Series gets the nod.
Seats
8 Series: 4 seats Z: 2 seats The 8 Series has room for more passengers, useful for growing families and carpools.
Off-road & Towing
8 Series leads
Call it a small but real win for the 8 Series in this area. The 8 Series adds available all-wheel drive. All-wheel drive helps you get going on slippery roads, but good tires matter just as much for stopping and turning. Bottom line for off-road & towing: the 8 Series has the edge.
AWD / 4WD available
8 Series: yes Z: no Available all-wheel drive improves traction in rain, snow and on loose surfaces.
Safety & Tech
For safety & tech, the spec sheet lists components and formats rather than figures we can rank. The table shows what the 8 Series and the Z each bring.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | 8 Series | Z |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 3.0L turbo I6 | 3.0L twin-turbo V6 |
| Total system output | 335 hp | 400 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 368 lb-ft (winner) | 350 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 6-speed manual (9-speed automatic available) |
| Drivetrain | RWD (xDrive AWD available) | RWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | 8 Series | Z |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 24 mpg (winner) | 20 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 21 mpg (winner) | 18 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 29 mpg (winner) | 24 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | 8 Series | Z |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 4 seats (winner) | 2 seats |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | 8 Series | Z |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes (winner) | No |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | 8 Series | Z |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) | 8 in |
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | 8 Series | Z |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 172.4 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 72.6 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 51.8 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 100.4 in |
| Curb weight (from) | N/A (not specified) | 3,486 lb Heaviest in class |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the 8 Series if…
- you need more seats (4 seats vs 2 seats)
- you want better combined fuel economy (24 mpg vs 20 mpg)
- you want better highway fuel economy (29 mpg vs 24 mpg)
- you mostly drive in town (21 mpg vs 18 mpg in the city)
Choose the Z if…
- you want more power (400 hp vs 335 hp)
- you prefer staying with Nissan
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the 8 Series or the Z?
We’d point most buyers to the 8 Series. The main exception is if you care more about 65 hp more power than anything else.
Executive Summary
The 8 Series from BMW and the Z from Nissan go after the same buyer. Here’s how I see them. For me, the deciding factor is that only the 8 Series gives you room for 4 seats. Another thing in the 8 Series’s favor is better fuel economy. In fairness to the Z, 65 hp more power is a genuine strength.
Fit matters more than scores here. The 8 Series suits buyers focused on fuel economy & range; the Z suits those focused on engine & performance.
My pick: I think most people will be happier with the 8 Series, unless you need 65 hp more power, which only the Z offers.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.